The image of the Shotokan Tiger, Tora no Maki, is instantly recognisable to most karateka. The symbol was originally created by the Japanese artist Hoan Kosugi, a friend and student of Gichin Funakoshi. Kosugi designed the Shotokan Tiger specifically for the cover of Funakoshi’s first book, Karate-Do Kyohan. The tiger represents strength, power, courage, ferocity and absolute determination. It is the idea of total commitment and acting without hesitation.

Traditionally, the tiger is seen as always being alert, and never being caught off guard and because of this, it is often associated with Zanshin, a state of constant awareness and readiness. The Shotokan Tiger is a symbol of inner strength, self-discipline and how karate training should influence how we behave both in the Dojo and in our daily lives. This ties in perfectly with the teachings of Shotokan Karate-Do, where focus and awareness are just as important as physical technique.

Importantly, the tiger is not shown running free. It is shown constrained within a circle, which is a very important part of the symbol. You can think of it this way: the tiger represents our emotions, instincts and raw power, while the circle represents our mind, ethics, morals and discipline. Karate-Do teaches us not to suppress our emotions, but to control them. Etiquette, respect and correct behaviour guide the karateka in the same way the circle guides the tiger.

The practice of Karate-Do requires calmness and emotional control. True strength comes from reason and self-discipline, and not from uncontrolled anger and aggression. The Shotokan Tiger shows us that power must always be ruled by the mind, and that honour and control must always come before force.

This is the heart of Shotokan Karate-Do.

Oss!